The Arctic is calling! Forget your Himalayan treks for a moment, witnessing the Aurora Borealis- The Northern Lights is the ultimate celestial spectacle, a breathtaking experience that makes you feel incredibly connected to the vast energy of the cosmos.
For an adventurous traveler, this is the ultimate rendezvous with nature’s rarest wonder, a dazzling reward for venturing into the silent, frozen North. But before you book that flight to Scandinavia or Canada, here’s everything you need to know: 
What Are the Northern Lights? 
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are spectacular, magical lights that appear across the night sky. Shades of green, pink, and purple fill the Arctic sky between September and March in places like Tromsø, Abisko, and Rovaniemi.
What is the Midnight Sun? 
In summer, places above the Arctic Circle, like Tromsø or Lapland, experience sunlight 24 hours a day. This is the magical phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. From late May to late July, you can play cricket, go hiking, or simply relax—at midnight, with the sun still shining brightly!
How to Get There from India🛫
Flights: Take a flight from major Indian cities like Delhi or Mumbai to European hubs such as Oslo (Norway), Helsinki (Finland), or Stockholm (Sweden).
Tip: Flights often connect via common hubs like Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt. Booking flights early is crucial for securing the best fares.
Arctic Activities for Indian Travellers 
Winter Thrills (Northern Lights Season)
- Chase the Lights: Join an expert-guided tour to maximize your chances of spotting the Aurora.
Niyo’s choice: Rovaniemi Northern Lights Camp Visit with Barbecue
- Snowmobiling & Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of riding across the frozen landscape.
- Ice Hotel Stay: Check off a major bucket list item by spending a night in a hotel built entirely of snow and ice (like Sweden’s ICEHOTEL).
- Meet the Sami: Learn about the rich Indigenous Sami culture in Norway or Finland, and try a traditional reindeer sled ride.
Summer Wonders (Midnight Sun Season)
- Experience the Sun: Go midnight kayaking, hiking, or even golfing under the perpetual daylight.
- Fjord Cruises: Enjoy scenic boat trips through the majestic Norwegian fjords.
- Whale Watching: The warmer months are often the best time to spot migrating whales.
Recommended experience: Midnight sun tour
- Try Arctic Cuisine: Indulge in local delicacies like fresh salmon, reindeer, or explore the growing options for delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Best Time to Visit
- Midnight Sun: Late May to late July.
- Northern Lights: September to March (with December to February often being the darkest and best viewing months).
Packing Tips for Indians 
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Warm Clothes: This is crucial! Layer up with thermal wear, fleece, wool socks, waterproof outer layers, quality gloves, a warm hat, and sturdy, insulated winter boots.
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Camera Gear Protection: Pack extra batteries (the cold drains them quickly) and a waterproof bag or cover to protect your camera while shooting the Northern Lights.
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Travel Adapters: Europe primarily uses Type C or F plugs, so carry universal adapters.
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Connectivity: Consider purchasing an eSim or local European SIM card upon arrival for reliable internet access, though international roaming from Indian providers has also improved.
Important Travel & Budget Tips
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Schengen Visa: Norway, Sweden, and Finland are in the Schengen Area. Indian citizens require a Short-Stay (Type C) visa. Norway (1 NOK ≅ INR 8.84), Sweden (1 SEK ≅ INR 9.43), and Finland (1 EUR ≅ INR 103.07)
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Budgeting: Arctic travel is premium. Excluding flights and accommodation, budget travelers should plan for a minimum of approximately. INR 12,500 - INR 16,500 per person per day, with most of this cost going towards guided tours and activities.
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Tipping Culture: Tipping is generally not expected in Scandinavia, but rounding up the bill or giving a small amount for exceptional service (especially on guided tours) is appreciated.
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Local Transport: Trains and buses are reliable and efficient. Book tickets online in advance.
Ready to Plan Your Arctic Adventure?
The Arctic is not just snow and ice. It’s wonder, color, and adventure. For travelers, chasing the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights is an epic journey. Plan your trip, pack right, and get ready to see the sky like never before.
Join the conversation: What’s the biggest travel challenge you foresee on this trip, and how are you planning to overcome it? Let’s discuss budget tips and foreign exchange hacks!